Patriotic theme added to Monroe's Cheese Festival celebration

MONROE - The 15th annual Cheese Festival to be held Saturday, Sept. 11, will have a patriotic theme this year in addition to touting its horn for its history of cheese. New to the festival this year will be music from only one band. Accompanying the band, however, will be an Elvis impersonator, who will be performing patriotic songs. A symbolic candle, in memory of those who died on 9/11, will be displayed on the entertainment stage. ‘Never Forget’ decals will be given out to festival-goers. The downtown business district is cordoned off allowing the public to sample what Monroe has to offer. Another new addition will be a booth that will give out samples of Liederkranz cheese which was produced in this area years ago. There will also be the usual assortment of cheese samples near the village hall. Festival coordinator Joseph Mancuso said they are hoping more contestants will sign up for the Monroe Idol competition which is open to all age groups. Cash prizes will be awarded to the best singer and or singing group. There will also be the usual groups from non-profit organizations, local clubs and craft items, and of course, one of the biggest draws of a festival, the food. The festival which opens at 10 a.m. will close at 5 p.m., one hour earlier, because of the 9/11 candlelight vigil in Crane Park.